Apiaceae
Bupleurum Care Guide
Bupleurum
Give Bupleurum full sun and lean, well-drained soil, and let it dry out between waterings — it resents wet feet and is prone to root rot in soggy conditions. It is otherwise low-maintenance, tolerates poor soils, and self-seeds readily in the garden.
Every 9 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Hare's Ear?
Hare's Ear (Bupleurum) is a easy-care plant from the Apiaceae family. Bupleurum is a genus of about 180 species in the carrot family (Apiaceae), ranging from delicate annual wildflowers to woody Mediterranean shrubs. The most widely cultivated members are the ornamental hare's ear (Bupleurum rotundifolium), prized by florists for its chartreuse, cup-shaped bracts, and...
Hare's Ear grows up to 90cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 9 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Hare's Ear tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Hare's Ear is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 18 days.
How to Care for Hare's Ear?
TLDR: Hare's Ear needs Direct sun, watering every 9 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Hare's Ear?
Water moderately and only once the top few centimeters of soil have dried out; cut back significantly in winter, since overwatering is the main cause of root rot in this genus.
How Much Light Does Hare's Ear Need?
Provide full sun outdoors, or a spot within a meter of a bright, south-facing window if grown indoors — Bupleurum flowers and foliage suffer in shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Hare's Ear?
Use a light, well-draining soil mix (sandy or loamy) with a neutral to mildly alkaline pH; the plant tolerates poor and average-fertility soils but cannot handle waterlogging.
What Pot Should You Use for Hare's Ear?
A terracotta or unglazed pot with ample drainage holes, which helps excess moisture evaporate and protects against root rot.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Hare's Ear and Where Does It Come From?
Bupleurum is a genus of about 180 species in the carrot family (Apiaceae), ranging from delicate annual wildflowers to woody Mediterranean shrubs. The most widely cultivated members are the ornamental hare's ear (Bupleurum rotundifolium), prized by florists for its chartreuse, cup-shaped bracts, and the East Asian medicinal species B. falcatum and B. chinense, whose dried roots are known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as 'chai hu.' Plants form airy clumps of blue-green, rounded leaves topped by flat umbels of tiny yellow-green flowers from summer into fall.
How to Propagate Hare's Ear?
Seed sowing
Bupleurum resents root disturbance, so direct sowing outdoors tends to produce sturdier plants than transplanting. It also self-seeds freely once established.
- 1 Sow seed directly in the garden in spring, or indoors 5-8 weeks before the last frost.
- 2 Cover seeds lightly, about 6mm (1/4 inch) deep, with soil since light aids germination.
- 3 Keep soil temperature around 13-18°C (55-65°F) until seedlings emerge.
- 4 Thin or transplant seedlings once true leaves develop, spacing plants 10-25cm apart.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Hare's Ear Grow?
TLDR: Hare's Ear can reach up to 90cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional Chinese Medicine root extract (chai hu) used for liver support and reducing fever
- Anti-inflammatory saikosaponin compounds studied in traditional herbal preparations
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves used raw in salads or cooked as a potherb in some regional cuisines
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Hare's Ear?
TLDR: Hare's Ear is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Harmony, balance and resilience — its airy chartreuse bracts are a popular symbol of new beginnings and are widely used as a filler in wedding bouquets.
Fun Facts
The genus name Bupleurum comes from the Greek "bous" (ox) and "pleuron" (rib), likely referencing its ribbed leaves.
Its greenish-yellow bracts, not petals, are what give Bupleurum its long-lasting color in floral arrangements.
Bupleurum falcatum root (chai hu) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years.
Despite looking delicate, Bupleurum readily self-seeds and can naturalize in gravelly, sun-baked garden spots.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bupleurum easy to grow?
Is Bupleurum toxic to cats or dogs?
Why is my Bupleurum wilting or turning yellow?
How long does Bupleurum last as a cut flower?
What is chai hu?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
